Finally, final chapter!

SP THANKS to Togashi for the world of HxH

SP THANKS to ALL Beta-readers who've helped me with this story and its prequels. And Hanareader for keeping me super inspired and motivated.

Last but not least, thanks to all readers and reviewers. I wouldn't have been here if it weren't because of you fellas.

CO 7 from Home to Home 2 Departure

During the funeral, Kurapika ignored a call from Leorio. Nothing could be more important than his time with his people now.

When 7PM rolled around, Kuroro showed up to help him pack the eyes up and clear all the set up. They thanked the church service provider. All the while, Kurapika couldn't help his agitation when Kuroro and the brother engaged in a short friendly conversation. Friendly!

Kurapika already went through a minute of panic when the Spider leader spoke of having everything ready for the funeral at the church. The last time they stepped into a church, things went downhill, fast. Kuroro assured he stood by his words, no one was hurt and the service was paid.

Like everything he paid for when Kurapika was in the picture. Stolen money or not, at least the thief paid. All the things Kuroro did for him…

Once they stepped out, Kurapika felt a load lighter. The funeral gave him one more step to his peace of mind. And of course, leaving the church with Kuroro without any blood spill. The outside air was a little chilly, but the custom suit Kuroro gave him kept him warm enough, Kuroro's arm even warmer. Wasn't the first time the man put his arm around him.

"Hmm?" Kurapika blinked upon seeing a grey sedan in the small parking lot as Kuroro indicated this was their ride.

"I feel like driving, if you don't mind?" Kuroro said, leaning on the car's roof and looking expectantly at him from the other side of the car.

He must have gone and rented it somewhere during that one hour Kurapika was in the funeral. He noticed there was something about this car as he answered, "Okay, why not?"

When they got into the car, Kurapika looked about the interior and it was confirmed the model was the exact one he had Leorio drove when they captured the Spider head. After inserting a key and igniting the engine, Kuroro flicked him a knowing grin. Kurapika cussed through gritted teeth "Bastard."

To curse with spite but feel a smile on his face felt odd.

Kuroro laughed, heartfelt. "Brings back memories, huh?"

The nerve of him. "Yeah, I feel like punching you all over again."

Kuroro hummed and took the car off. "Please refrain yourself for your safety. I'm driving."

Kurapika ended up punching anyway. A light one, on the man's shoulder, earning himself another laugh from Kuroro.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Felt like driving was an understatement, given they spent less than half an hour ion the car. The bridge with all the colors of lights at night were worth the time. Kuroro had pulled over once they crossed to the other side. Now they were some 66 meters up high on the top of the tower bridge built on piers, in courtesy of Kuroro's call.

With the view they settled for, up on the walk way connected by two robust towers, Kurapika no longer minded the man's insistence that they monkey their way up here. Hopefully no one spotted them hanging about after the closing hours (and without having purchased tickets) to alert an authority.

Apart from the view, Kurapika assumed Kuroro wanted to see how he would manage climbing (and gliding down afterward) after what Kuroro had taught him. Surely the lesson paid off.

They kept their eyes on the city lights in silence, standing side by side and half leaning over the rail. Half a year ago all this close proximity with the Spider leader had driven him mad, physically drained him after. Now it was just comfortable, not as much as with his friends.

But still, if he were to admit, he felt safe.

"Are you sure?" Kuroro trailed off, breaking the silence. When Kurapika turned to him with a 'hmm?' he clarified. "Of going off on your own."

"Of course. We got our own things to take care of. It's best we don't waste each other's time." There was a note of finality in his tone. He thought it was settled back at the apartment. Kuroro had been the one bringing it up, was he having a second thought? Kurapika hoped not.

"You're never a waste of my time. A little hindrance or a drawback maybe, but that's all it is." Kuroro remarked, looking off to the dark horizon. "Somehow, you're all about being time-oriented. Even considering you're only 18. People at your age think they have all the time in the world. I was no different." He tilted his head to Kurapika, his eyes became intense all of a sudden. "Made me wonder if you think you have little time…left."

Kurapika's heart hammered underneath Kuroro's heavy gaze. He retained a straight face, not returning the eye contact. That information had been filed to the back of his mind. Up until now, the consequences were out of his concern. He was too confined within his narrow goal to bring down the Spiders, even prioritizing it before reclaiming his clan's eyes. Now that his priority among the two goals rearranged themselves, he'd have to rethink on it.

But Kuroro did not need to know about his Emperor Time setback.

"I dislike putting things off." He stated and it was the truth, too. He needed to direct the conversation back to the man, again. "If anything. I'm glad you found your own purpose." Here, he returned Kuroro's look. He meant it.

Kuroro gave him a skeptical look. One of which Kurapika supposed he was having an internal debate whether to let the subject about 'time' drop or not. The dark grey eyes strayed sideways, looking uncharacteristically unsure. "Ah, I don't think it's really a purpose. More like an obligation."

"Family obligation," Kurapika noted, a faint smile formed on his face. "Funny how we have so much in common, even this." When Kuroro blinked at him, he went on. "Isn't that what it is? You're a Ryuuseigai citizen." He didn't think Kuroro needed further validation from him. The man should have known how much he'd find this commendable that Kuroro was doing something for his own people.

After the Ants' invasion was taken care of, Ryuuseigai needed restoration, meaning they needed resources like Kuroro. Kurapika almost found it amusing the man did sort of struggle to bring this up to him, saving him from having to bring his own side of story up himself. Nevertheless, he let him know about the clues to the Kuruta eyes from his friends. As expected, Kuroro found that information displeasing. The Spider asked him to come along to Ryuuseigai first and they'd look for the eyes together, after.

Kuroro let him make a choice, despite that hopeful look. He respected his choice, despite that dejected acceptance.

"I guess so," Kuroro responded at last, followed by a small sigh. He straightened himself, leaving only one hand fisted loosely on the railing and declared. "I'm letting you go but I'm not letting you go, you get me?"

His face twisted in what seemed like a controlled frustration. Kurapika cocked his head to the side with a questioning look. His words confused him, maybe even to Kuroro himself. But he was all ears when Kuroro attempted to explain himself and Kurapika made it clear of that, encouraging the poor bastard so cut off from a certain kind of communication.

"In the 3 days that you left, I thought a lot about us. I know how my presence affects you. And it's not just you. It's bad for me too. I wasn't aware that I was being too…possessive." By now, he tore his attention away from his surrounding and faced Kurapika. "I was too busy focusing on you. It drives you further away. We'd need space; it will keep us together…I hope. But still, I don't want to risk losing you. Completely having you out of my sight is equivalent to that."

Kuroro's explanation was a mere contradiction in itself.

"Possessive? Is that how you see it?" Kurapika asked, his eyes slightly widened with wonder. After they had come to terms, Kuroro never ordered him around, unless the situation called for and most of them were for Kurapika's own good. Kuroro let him go work things out on his own if needed. The one time he could refer to as possessive was Kuroro's condition of ridiculous time allocation like 80/20 for him and for Nostrad.

On top of all, he never ever violated his boundary. Threaten to do it, yes, on understandable circumstance, maybe. But Kurapika could see the respect, the patience.

"I find you're more like a selfish brat…or attaching," Kurapika smirked, looking off to his side. "So don't worry about it. Even if it is you being possessive, it's on acceptable level."

The man instantly brightened, following by his laughter at Kurapika's comments.

Kurapika had to look away, gazing back on the night sky. "Just so you know, I don't…want to lose you anymore than you do me."

Kuroro's elated features were impossible.

Before Kuroro could make any comment on that, Kurapika spoke. "On that note, do you think you could win Hisoka?" Learning Hisoka had been stalking Kuroro while he was away had been nagging at him a little more than he would have liked. If there was one person who could make him lose Kuroro, he had little doubt it would be anyone else other than Hisoka.

The man looked pensive. "Hmm, I'd say my winning percentage as of now is about 70%. He's one reason why I need to go back to Ryuuseigai. I'd need more abilities, make my winning a 100% before I give it a go. For someone like Hisoka, there's no telling what he'd have up his sleeve."

"Yeah, I can relate," Kurapika commented airily.

Kuroro blinked at him, face all but curious, then transformed into recognition. "You fought him before."

Kurapika nodded, nonchalant. "Hunter exam."

The look of wonder filled Kuroro's features. His voice accentuated with interest as he echoed, "Ah, there's no wonder. You fought with him before."

In hindsight, Hisoka was the one leading Kurapika to York Shin, to the Spiders…to Kuroro. At times, Kurapika wondered if all that had happened went according to Hisoka's plan…and then not, at the end of York Shin. So far, he'd been a major instrument to what had transpired about them. But he'd save the thought for another day. From the look on Kuroro's face, he must have shared the same sentiment. Otherwise, he'd have asked more.

On that thought, Kurapika drew himself back from leaning on the rail, turning to face Kuroro. "We won't know how long until we'd meet again. Is there something you'd want to tell me?"

Kuroro blinked at him, before his grin slowly appeared.

That was when Kurapika realized the bastard must have misunderstood. Oh no, the twat was so not talking about this unnamed feeling between them!

"You'd want my confe-"

"No!" He cut him off, eyes flashing a moment of red, so did his face. When Kuroro laughed heartily, he knew it. Of course the bastard knew it wasn't about…this. But he had to go kid about it. Kurapika shut his eyes tight, beating his rising emotions down before saying, "We're no enemy to anyone so take nothing from us."

Kuroro blinked again, tilting his head. "Okay, what about that?"

Kurapika breathed, focusing on their conversation, not on the emotional setback threatening him to pick a fight with the Spider all over again. "The message was left at the Kuruta massacre." He noticed the slightest change in Kuroro's posture. That had to mean something. "Admittedly…I filed that one information back, too caught up with my goal. I couldn't see then-" He avoided looking at Kuroro's searching gaze before gathering the courage to hold eye contact again. "-what I see right now."

"Kurapika, that's way back in the past." Kuroro's eyes were unreadable, pretty much like the ones on their first meeting, where he gave Kurapika no answer.

"You know, your comrades talk a lot about us." The oncoming tense air relaxed when Kuroro turned sideways, hands on his lips but not hiding his small smile with a 'pfft.' It was somewhat endearing Kuroro found this information and his comrades' behavior amusing. Then he returned to his current point. "I have a reason to believe they didn't let me hear it on purpose. They too, wonder why you chose not to tell me the "whole truth." I could have asked them but I want to hear it from you. What's the whole truth, Kuroro?"

The man returned his eyes to him, amusement gone, regarding him in silence and responded. "Because it won't change the fact that-"

"-that you led your Ryodan to the Kuruta's annihilation?" Kurapika didn't even need an answer on this one. Kuroro nodded nevertheless. "Damn it, Kuroro." He tore his eyes away from the man, stepping back and turning his back to the man, attempting but unable to hide his sudden wave of frustration any longer. When he spun back to the silent man again, his voice strained. "It makes a lot of difference! The end does not always justify the means! Sometimes it's the attempt that counts!"

"Kurapika," The Spider leader took a step towards him, grabbed one of his arms. The gesture was meant to calm him, maybe. "You're just looking for some acceptable reasons from me again. You're looking for something that isn't there."

The man's words might have added fuel to his fire, had it not been the look on Kuroro's face. He looked…sad.

"Does it really?" His face closed off in thought, closed off from Kuroro. The Spider leader followed his every movement, eyes searching, looking for something to relax the situation or diffuse his antagonism. He could see Kuroro trying, in every way. Resolution came over Kurapika. "Fine. I'll look for that answer myself. I refuse to believe you don't have a heart."

"I didn't. Before you came along."

Man was he so damn straight when he wanted to be. Kurapika couldn't help but gawk, not knowing how to respond to that.

Kuroro closed his eyes with a soft sigh. When he looked at him again, his expression was close to heartfelt. "Can we put this behind us? Kurapika, I don't want to fight you."

"Me neither." Kurapika dropped his glance down to where Kuroro was holding his arm, just recognizing how many times Kuroro had a hold on him without hurting him. "For what it's worth, I don't think you're beyond repentance." He gave the older man a half-smile, confidence nonetheless. "I'll see to it."

Taken aback would be an understatement, Kuroro looked shocked. Kurapika realized his words might have meant a lot of things. One of them could even be a form of forgiveness. Kurapika was not ready to forgive…yet. And Kuroro waited after that initial shock wore off, looking and observing him.

Eyes narrowed, he was beginning to recognize that look. "If you're expecting a recant, I'll throw you off this bridge."

Those dark grey eyes looked startled, not from the threat but from an insistence regarding this matter. Kuroro loosened the grip on him, taking a few steps back. He turned his body away, hand coming up to his chin. The sound from the wind blowing made it impossible for Kurapika to make out what Kuroro was mumbling. He took his cue to wait. Until Kuroro looked back at him, with eyes wide like a hopeful child.

This was one thing Kurapika came to see a lot lately. The feared, indifferent, unfeeling Genei Ryodan leader could be as open and exuberant as a kid at times. This side of Kuroro not shown when he was being a Danchou, shown only to him.

"So you meant it," he said at last.

"Do I look like the type to joke around?" Kurapika returned, exasperated.

"I am not sure…" Kuroro trailed off, dragging his words through smiling lips. "-what you see in me." He closed the distance between them again, speaking much slower with a fond smile. "But I will accept all. Your hatred…your lo-"

Words cut short, Kuroro's mouth was clamped shut with Kurapika's hands on them. Arms outstretched, Kurapika's head hung low to hide his burning face from the man. His mind reeled, having a vague assumption of what was about to come out of Kuroro's mouth. The nerve of him! Oddly enough, Kurapika couldn't find it in himself to hear what Kuroro had to say, even after what they had done in the church, in front of the Kuruta eyes. He'd still prefer this thing between them as an 'unnamed feeling.' And the Spider's snicker wasn't helping!

The man patted at his hands before tugging at them lightly. Kurapika looked up, giving him a warning look. Kuroro nodded, raising his hands in surrender. Though his eyes looked too complacent for his own good. Kurapika withdrew his hands in hesitation while Kuroro laughed in his throat.

He had to hold back the strong urge not to kick this man off the bridge.

"-So nothing should take you away from me." He finished it anyway, skipping that one part.

Kurapika just nodded in acceptance. It'd be futile resisting said 'unnamed feeling' now, after all of his resistance; it just kept persisting.

"For one thing, I enjoy observing our changes." Kuroro noted.

Looking back, Kuroro did not change upon Kurapika's words, or pleas for that matter. To the man so desensitized with other people, that was just a behavioral nudge, and to no avail. In the end, he changed only after learning his unchanged trait driven a rift between them.

He wondered if Kuroro was aware of this indirect behavioral prompt. If anything, it could very well become a leverage Kurapika could use against him, if he ever needed one. Then he caught himself. This old habit would die hard, his brain would still come up with some 'kill the Spiders' instinct. He shook the thought out of his mind.

Of course, someone of Kuroro's caliber had to be aware of it, yet he was going with it.

"This thing…we have. These feelings." Kuroro raised a hand above his heart before placing it upon Kurapika's, setting off another internal alarm. Kuroro's small smile widened. Of course, the bastard must amuse himself with the thought of how he affected Kurapika's heart.

He knew they'd been sidestepping the awkward conversation for far too long. And for someone who hated procrastination, he wanted to avoid this one. He made it known with his eyes.

"In all honesty, it bothered me in the beginning, more than you'd ever know." Kuroro's facial expression was just … so open.

He blinked at that and his immediate response was a questioning look, his curiosity on the man's words surpassed his uncomfortable feeling regarding the topic. Had Kuroro ever been bothered by these…feelings, he sure never showed it. All Kurapika had seen was how the man always played if off as cool.

"I was never interested. Even looked down on it. It turns a person into an idiot." Kuroro said, eyes growing distant, then returning to him. His hand was still on Kurapika's chest. "But like everything else, once it happened, I accepted it. Not that I could…or would deny it." He leaned in closer to Kurapika, almost breathing him in. "I'm positive it has a lot to do with you too; wouldn't have happened if it weren't you." Kuroro drew back, along with his hand, placing it back to his chest. "This feeling dominates other feelings in the body."

Really, were they interpreting, cracking, trying to make sense of this feeling?

Overwhelmed by the amount of admission Kuroro presented to him today, Kurapika was too lost to respond. He would agree the damn feeling swept him off his feet, but he had a good reason, taking into account of his past with the Spiders. Kuroro sharing the difficulty, much lesser or only at some point or not, was beyond him.

His eyes followed the man's hand where he placed above his heart and one thing occurred to him. Fear of the future and the hesitation were there. But if he were to take another step further of attaining peace not gained by blood and violence…

He lifted a hand, placing it on where Kuroro's heart would be. "My Nen sword on your heart. I'm not sure how it works but I'll try to call it off."

As soon as he said it, the thoughts and fears that followed ran wild in his head in a matter of a split second. From years of accumulated resentment, pent up anger and depression and from all the pessimisms and doubts he collected towards this man, he couldn't help his brain into rationalizing unwanted assumptions. What if he were a complete fool played by Kuroro Lucifer's magnificent lies? A manipulation Kuroro planned to reach this moment where Kurapika called his chain, the last leverage, off?

It seemed ridiculous, given Kuroro had given in at Kurapika's murder attempt, but not impossible. The Spider leader was fearless in the face of death. It could have even been the slight risk he was willing to take to earn Kurapika's complete trust?

What if Kuroro killed him the second he was bound by nothing at all?

"NO." The firm and loud refutation was accompanied by a hand grabbing his and lifting it away, slightly above Kuroro's chest.

He looked up at the man, still processing of what he'd just heard. Kuroro looked determined, for what was beyond Kurapika. His mind a few paces behind Kuroro, needed a few moments to catch up. Then…what? A refusal? Why would he not want to be free of his Nen chain? Even if Kurapika's recent ludicrous assumption wasn't the case. What in the world...

"Leave it the way it is," Kuroro stated. "It doesn't bother me, doesn't affect me in anyway. Killing you is the last thing on my mind now, if not long gone already. I believe we've already established that, Kurapika."

Lost for words, Kurapika opened and closed his mouth. He expected his deep frown communicated enough. What the heck, Kuroro?

Kuroro looked at him, glanced towards the horizon and returned to look at him, apparently in that 'I don't know how to put my motives into words' again. In the following seconds, he finally made it. "We'll soon be parting ways. I want to carry something of you along with me. I want to keep this link."

Another moment was needed for the words to sink in and process. Kurapika exhaled an 'oh,' and didn't know he was holding his breath. His eyes burned, feeling the overwhelming tears threaten to spill. For one thing, he was relieved. For another, guilt clawed at him for doubting Kuroro.

The Spider leader's motive was peculiar, though this time round, Kurapika thought he understood.

Kuroro just accepted…all of him.

It took everything in him not to let his tears form. In a meager attempt to hide his face had it been expressive, he shook his hand free of Kuroro just to wrap his arms around the man, placing his chin on the man's shoulder. Kuroro's surprised sharp intake of breath was beginning to explain to him why Kuroro himself found his reactions amusing in their past times of learning about one another.

"Are you aware you're making it much harder for me tonight?" Kuroro spoke between a short, broken laugh. He returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around him.

"Feeling's mutual," he murmured into Kuroro's neck. When he realized he too, sounded broken, he attempted the delayed banter. "That was my intention."

XXXXXXXXXX

Kuroro couldn't appreciate the moment more and on the contrary, not appreciating it. He was happy and unhappy…the feelings that must have annoyed the hell out of him had he been the man before this bond with Kurapika.

The boy had made it known and clear he returned his feelings and here they were, on their way to the airport for their approaching departures on opposite directions.

It was almost like Kurapika's murder attempt all over again.

For a man regretting so little in life, he was starting to regret something so trivial as booking that damn ticket to the closest location available to Ryuuseigai. The heck of it all was the airship leaving this place was scheduled once in a while. He could change his mind, but he knew Kurapika wouldn't have it. The boy himself was going back to his colleagues at Nostrad's anyways.

Kuroro himself was going back to Ryuuseigai for a lot of reasons. Family obligation as Kurapika had put it, most likely. To seek an ability to put an end to Hisoka's outlandish stalking him, yes. Most of all, it'd be something to draw Kurapika closer to him. As Kurapika found him catering to him alone unacceptable, Kuroro catering to a bigger scale of people appeared commendable to Kurapika.

In a way, the boy gave him a purpose in a world where he saw none. And to keep Kurapika, he had to let him go...for now.

He stole a sideways glance to his right. Kurapika rested his head against the window, looking at the world outside. The colorful road lights ran across his features. A split second later, he returned the look at Kuroro.

"Shouldn't you be looking at the road?"

Kuroro answered with an acknowledged hum then he reached his right hand out across the divide between their seats with an open palm. Kurapika looked at it and looked at him. His baffled expression reminded him of the cat hesitating to eat the food he offered, wanting it and fearing the unknown.

"Shouldn't you keep your hands on the wheel?"

He chuckled. "I'll manage, trust me."

From the corner of his eyes, the boy looked skeptic. He knew it was either for a show, or an old habit dying off hard. Kurapika should have known driving with one hand was nothing to him. So Kuroro did what he did best with Kurapika. He waited in silent patience, leaving the open palm above the console.

After some miles or so, he felt the hesitant movement before a hand slid into his open palm. Kurapika hid his face from him again, keeping his interest to the street lights.

The more the time they had left together was coming to an end, the more self-realization he had. To him, feeling for a person was much more difficult to put in perspective than any physical materials he had wanted to own.

He wanted him. Wanted all of Kurapika, or what the boy was willing to offer, whatever they were. On that thought, the uncalled ache settled in. Kurapika was very much his own person, not a material, not a property. He could never own him…like he wanted.

On the contrary, it was more likely that Kurapika was the one owning him…owning his heart, had the boy subdued him with this…feeling.

"Hey. Are you okay?"

The boy's voice drew him out of his thoughts. He flicked him a look, with a 'hmm?' The boy looked at him with a trace of concern, his posture inclining towards Kuroro. His mind administered Kurapika's words and behavior.

"Do I…look not okay to you?"

It wasn't cynical, they both knew it. The boy frowned, unable to answer the question. He inclined back slightly in his seat, making no attempt to hide he was trying to figure things out. The rest of the way went by with Kurapika looking at Kuroro.

By the time they reached the airport, it was 11pm. The service man from where Kuroro had rented the car was already waiting for him, given Kuroro wanted to drive to the airport. Then they had an hour before their departure, much less the time they could spend together, since they needed to board their designated terminals.

"Feels like York Shin all over again." Kuroro trailed off as he stopped walking among the oceans of people while on their way at the gatehouse. When Kurapika turned and raised an eyebrow at him, Kuroro admitted. "Adhering to your rule, no contact with my Spiders."

"Ah, so you did feel after all," Kurapika commented with a self-satisfied smirk. "Back then, you seem so unaffected with lots of things."

"Only on the surface," he confessed.

Kurapika looked surprised then not. The boy looked off sideways with a soft smile. Kuroro wondered what that expression meant. Lately, there were things about this Kuruta that he couldn't always read like before…unlike the time where he was a mere bundle of nerves.

"York Shin all over again in the sense we're parting ways?" He posed, interested.

In silentce agreement, they'd moved to the closest corner, avoiding the walk way and people. Kuroro liked to think they shared the same intention of stalling. He'd take what he could to the last minute…last second.

"In the sense that I'm losing contact with you and our next meeting is anybody's guess," he corrected. When Kurapika gave him an agitated look, he asked, "Will you pick up the phone if I make a call?" Another agitation was all it was needed for his answer. "Figures. You don't even pick up your friends' call." He might have sounded bitter, but he knew best not to dwell. "You're going to keep my number and Shal's, yes? Make a call anytime if you need any of us." Kurapika's acknowledging nod told him he wouldn't be getting any call.

That was just how Kurapika was, he needed to accept that too.

"You grew a heart inside of me, the least you could do is take responsibility."

…

It came out of nowhere. Kuroro wasn't even aware he was pondering that aloud. All thanks to Kurapika for making him lose his cool at times. When self-realization (from Kurapika's incredulous look paired with an 'excuse me?') hit, he felt his heart did a flop it never did since he almost died by Zoldyk's hands…or Kurapika's, for that matter.

The boy's eyes fixed on him, studying and analyzing more than ever. Kuroro waited. At Kurapika's intellect, he must have understood the meaning behind those words.

Red crept up on Kurapika's face, so did his eyes. So he understood. Took a while before he opened his mouth but no words came out. He fidgeted, struggling to say something. Under all the strong front, hard shell and a certain amount of antagonism (left), Kurapika was kind. Of course, he'd try to give some verbal response.

Kuroro didn't need one, for this. Back in the church, he'd already got more than what he could ask for. He ran his hand through the blond hair, gave a light pat and mumbled, "So 'kay."

The boy nodded, his expression in slight disbelief. Then he looked up at him to question, "Is this what it's all about? Is this why you don't look so…okay back there?"

The concern Kurapika projected for him sent a funny feeling and a tug at his heart. He exhaled through a forced smile. "Generally, I'm not okay with us going separate ways. Like I said, having you out of my sight concerns me. Specifically, I fear this is as far as we could go, or more like…as far as you'd allow."

The look on Kurapika's face had Kuroro assumed if he'd said something ridiculous. Next thing he knew Kurapika's palm was on his cheek.

"You might be right. But then again, not everything is set in stone, right?" And Kurapika smiled. That exact kind of smile Kuroro only seen he reserved for his friends. The one Kuroro wished to see it directed at him most.

He felt hopeful but in the face of concern. Though Kurapika lived to tell the tale after attempting to seek justice on the Genei Ryodan, Kurapika managed to keep his head cool in Kuroro's presence, he would surpass most obstacles in the world. But still, reclaiming the rest of the Kuruta eyes would put Kurapika's life in prominent danger. There were worse kind of people, other than the mere dirty rich Kurapika managed to nail. What if…

"Hey…I learned a lot from you. I'll be fine. You take care of yourself too…" He looked conflicted but everytime it was getting less and less. Then he added, "-from Hisoka, I mean."

That reminded Kuroro of what Kurapika said back then. He shouldn't be saying this but he sought any form of reassurance that they'd meet again. "Because you're the one who'll kill me?"

Kurapika choked on a short laugh. "I'd like to think so."

"I'd like you to do so," he replied, taking Kurapika's free hand in his.

Their conversation at this point lacked hostility. It could be a joke…or not, Kuroro couldn't care less, as long as Kurapika carried him in his mind.

"We…really need to move, or we'll miss the flight," Kurapika reminded him, tilting his head towards the large clock on the far off wall, reading close to midnight.

How Kuroro wanted that…

"Kuroro?" Kurapika lifted his hand up whereas Kuroro's hand followed, clinging on to him.

"Ah, right." He loosened his fingers around Kurapika's hand, hating the feeling. Before any of this, he had no idea how a sudden loss of physical contact could sink his heart.

"Later then," Kurapika gave his final smile. And just like that, he headed towards the gate to his terminal. Most likely knowing he needed to initiate the leaving because Kuroro wasn't going to move until he did. He stared after the boy. Kurapika did look back, only to gesture indicating the time and flight for him.

'Go.'

Kuroro nodded in response. What had felt like positive anticipation the moment Kurapika looked back, was crushed. Until the boy was completely out of sight, he exhaled the longest sigh and walked himself to his terminal, boarded the airship. Things went by in a blur until he was sitting in his private compartment, staring off into the night sky through the window.

The sense of loss was overwhelming, he was aware of that but for the first time in five years he welcomed the undesirable feeling he thought was manageable, gone even. Kurapika was a living proof he was still human after all. On the positive light, what entailed after loss was the semblance of hope.

"Until we meet again, Kurapika," he murmured a belated farewell.

Their paths had crossed and re-crossed. Be it fate, coincidence, happenstance or planning, it was bound to happen again.

THE END

NOTE:

I can't remember for the life of me, what ending I had in mind 6 years ago. And I had nothing in my note. But after reading a bit on BW arc, it only led me to this ending.

On Ryuuseigai's principle. I first read that part with Thai translation: "We're no enemy to anyone…" so TSASAN is based on that. It's only later I found Eng. Ver translated differently: "We reject no one…" Maybe Japanese version can mean both? And rejection can be a form of being enemy too. It's only recently that I wonder if Kurapika ever wonder what the message left to his clan's massacre means.

I used to think Kuroro who's in the wrong must work 100% to earn Kurapika's trust, forgiveness or whatever is needed for them to be a ship. Then after years and years of working myself to be okay with ones I despised, I realized IRL, one person working 100% ain't gonna work. Two sides must work together. If Kurapika keeps antagonizing Kuroro, no matter what rights he has, Kuroro's gonna be fed up someday.

Anyhow, IT'S DONE! When I started TSASAN, I had no idea it was going to turn into a friggin's trilogy, lol. and over 13 years to complete. BUT! I mentioned of drabbles back there, so yeah, I still have more drabbles to write, relating to this story, and most likely about what entailed when they meet again.